Regulation of Cellular Gene Expression and Function by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Tat Protein

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat protein is a potent activator of viral gene expression and replication. Tat can also affect the expression of cellular genes including cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins, enzymes degrading the basement membrane and cell cycle-related proteins, and can regulate cellular functions such as growth, migration and angiogenesis. In addition, under certain circumstances, Tat may have tumorigenic effects. These activities of Tat appear to be mediated by different mechanisms such as the transactivation of cellular gene expression or the interaction of extracellular Tat with the cell membrane through both receptor-mediated and nonreceptor-mediated interactions. Deregulation of cellular gene expression and function by Tat cause abnormalities which may participate in AIDS pathogenesis and in the development of AIDS-associated disorders. Copyright 1995 S. Karger AG, Basel